More success for Rotherham’s Operation Alligator

Operation Alligator, the dedicated initiative established in Rotherham to tackle antisocial behaviour, has seen yet more success in the town last week.

On Saturday 29 September, officers from Rotherham’s Central Neighbourhood Policing Team and response officers from Main Street deployed to areas experiencing heightened crime and antisocial behaviour.

With a combination of uniformed and plain clothed officers, as well as CCTV and long-range cameras, the team were able to observe and gather information from local communities affected by crime and ASB, deal with what they found, then relocate.

Areas in Eastwood, such as Pocket Park and Eldon Road Park, were patrolled and searched much to the surprise of one or two. Other areas that benefited from the increased police presence included the town centre, Kimberworth and Masborough, with patrols also covering Moorgate and Broom.

Sergeant Simon Kirkham who led the deployment said: “Operation Alligator is all about listening to our communities and we really value the support we receive from the public when we run high-profile operations like this.

“We have a great team, supported by some fine officers from E Group, and I want the local communities of Rotherham Central to be reassured that we are seeing some very positive results from our dedicated work in this area.

“There will be further Alligator deployments in future.”

As part of the operation, officers stopped and searched 15 people. Five people were found to be committing criminal offences, with three cannabis cautions issued and a quantity of cannabis seized. Two people were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply and a significant quantity of compressed white powder, suspected to be cocaine, was seized.

Property searches were made and money seized, along with a number of suspected stolen items. Two high-value vehicles were also seized, as they are suspected of being used in crime.

CI Paul Ferguson added: “The team has done well and secured some positive results from a night of targeted action. Op Alligator is all about giving focus to the issues that affect our communities most and deploying the right people to deal with those issues.

“We work in close partnership with other agencies as part of this operation and the good work will continue in further operations of this nature. I’d also like to reiterate our thanks to the public for their support of this initiative.”